Ruth A Todd

A live stream of Ruth's Memorial Services can be viewed in the box below this obituary beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

Ruth Anna (Wendt) Todd passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at the age of 97, at her home at Serenity Assisted Living in Marshfield.

Visitation will be at Faith Lutheran Church, 207 South Cherry Ave in Marshfield, on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 9:30 until the time of her church service at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided after the service. Burial will follow at Sherwood Cemetery.

Ruth, along with her twin brother Robert, was born on March 13, 1929 to Ernest and Blanche Wendt. She grew up in Hewitt with her older brother George, her twin brother Bob, and her younger brother Don. She graduated from Marshfield High School in 1947.

On June 15, 1957 she married Russell Todd and they made their home in Sherwood township, operating a small farm. They had two children, Steve and Debbie. Russell loved to tease Ruth and gave her many nicknames including Muscles (as she was a petite 110 pounds but still worked hard on the farm) and Rufus. They loved to fish together and enjoy a treat at A & W in Neillsville. Russell tragically passed away in 1984.

Ruth followed in her family's footsteps (as did her father and her brothers Bob and Don) and worked for the telephone company, working as a telephone operator for many years. She did seasonal work at Figi's. In 1972, Ruth found her passion, taking care of elderly patients at Neillsville Memorial Home, where she worked for over 20 years, until her retirement.

In 1986, Ruth sold the farm in Sherwood and moved to a house in Neillsville, where she stayed until she retired. She then moved into an apartment by the high school in Neillsville, Next, she moved to Cedar Rail apartments in Marshfield, where she lived for 19 years.

In September 2021, she moved to Serenity Assisted Living, where she resided until her death.

Ruth enjoyed bus trips, crossword and word search puzzles, putting together jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, sewing quilts, and visiting with family and friends. In later years, she loved watching Hallmark movies, HGTV, and football, and even won a fantasy football league that she joined with her son Steve and her nephew Dan. She is best known for her delicious homemade pies, banana cream and lemon. She touched the lives of all who knew her because of her kindness and unique giggle laugh that lit up the room. She will be deeply missed.

Ruth was a devout Christian and her faith was always the center of her life. She attended St Paul's Lutheran Church in Sherwood for many years, later she was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville, and presently was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Marshfield.

Ruth is survived by her children Steve (Shelly) Todd of Wisconsin Rapids and Debbie Siems of Marshfield, grandchildren Michael Siems, Stacy Siems, and Andy Todd, along with great granddaughters Naima and Nadia.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Russell, her parents Ernest and Blanche Wendt, brothers George, Bob, and Don Wendt, and son-in-law Floyd Siems.

Ruth's family would like to thank everyone who has worked at Serenity Living, giving her wonderful care and loved Ruth the last few years, as well as Heartland Hospice who so compassionately cared for her in her last two months.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Ruth's family with funeral arrangements.